Introduction
Creamy Paprika Steak Shells is a hearty, comforting pasta dish featuring tender steak bites, large pasta shells, and a luscious creamy sauce flavored with paprika. Quick enough for weeknights but elegant enough for guests, this dish is rich, satisfying, and full of flavor.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: About 35 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Large pot for pasta
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 12 oz (340 g) large pasta shells
- 1 lb (450 g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Steak: Choose tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for juicy, quick-cooking pieces.
- Pasta Shells: Large shells hold sauce perfectly.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth; regular paprika works too.
- Cheese: Swiss gives creaminess; cheddar adds richness.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add steak pieces, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook 3–4 minutes until browned but not overcooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions until translucent, 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked steak and pasta shells, tossing gently to coat. Cook 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
💡 Tips
- Don’t overcook the steak; it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese with the sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Mushroom Paprika Steak Shells: Add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in spinach or peas just before serving.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta shells with cauliflower shells or zucchini noodles.
